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Introducing Cheese to Babies
Cheese not only tastes great but is also nutritious and loaded with essentials such as proteins, calories, vitamin A, D, and B12. As your baby grows older, you might want to add cheese to his diet for its taste and nutritional value. Continue reading for all the information you need to know about introducing your baby to cheese.
When Can a Baby Eat Cheese?
Most babies can be offered cheese as soon as they start chewing or gumming different foods. This usually begins around 6 to 9 months. Depending on where you are in the world, experts differ in opinion on when is a good time to start feeding cheese to babies. Some suggest waiting till the baby is eight months of age, and some say it should be given after the baby is a year old.
The hesitation is because cheese is a dairy product, and the milk proteins present in cheese are known to cause stomach issues in babies younger than a year old. However, some argue that milk proteins break down as the cheese matures and don’t cause any problems. On the other hand, some babies could be allergic to milk and dairy products. Therefore, such children should only be given cheese after discussing with their paediatrician.
Health Benefits of Cheese for Babies
Cheese is delicious as well as easy to incorporate into a wide variety of foods. Not only will your baby eat it without a fuss, but he will also get plenty of health benefits from cheese. Some of them are as follows:
Cheese is rich in calcium, which is needed for the development of healthy teeth and bones.
Cheese is rich in protein and nutrients such as Vitamin D needed for building the body.
Vegetarian families benefit a lot from cheese as it is rich in Vitamin B12 and protein, which are otherwise abundantly found in meat.
Cheese is loaded with calories that will keep your baby supplied with all the energy he needs throughout the day.
Cheese is good for teeth and is known to prevent tooth decay.
List of Safe and Unsafe Cheeses for Infants
There are different varieties of cheese to choose from when you’re looking for the ones you can feed your baby. However, not all cheeses are suitable for babies; especially, cheeses made from unpasteurized milk must be avoided altogether.
Safe cheeses for infants
Parents have to be really careful when choosing dairy products such as cheese as it certain cheeses carry listeria, which is a bacterium that can cause foodborne infections that can be fatal to babies. Therefore, it is advisable to consume cheese made out of pasteurised milk.
For those wondering what kind of cheese can a baby eat, here is a list:
Cheddar
Edam
Parmesan
Colby
Colby jack
Mozzarella
Swiss
Romano
Monetary jack
Paneer
Babybel
Red Leicester
Provolone
Jarlsberg
Cheshire
Lancashire
Gouda
Grana Padano
Here is a list of soft cheese for babies which most people avoid. However, they are perfectly okay for babies to have:
Cottage Cheese
Mascarpone
Ricotta
Cream Cheese
Cheese spreads that are made out of real cheese.
2. Cheeses that should be avoided until the baby is a year old
Here is a list of cheeses you should avoid giving to your baby till he is a year old as they are often made out of raw or unpasteurised milk:
Camembert
Brie
Chevre
Queso Fresco
Queso Blanco
Stilton
Danish Blue
Saga
Gorgonzola
Wensleydale
Roquefort
3. Avoid processed cheese
Processed cheese is not a pure form of cheese. Although it may look and taste like cheese, it is usually loaded with added flavours and emulsifiers. They are manufactured by adding flavour enhancers and preservatives to cheese to make it last longer. Therefore, try not to buy any off-the-shelf processed cheese to feed your baby as the chemicals present in it is not suitable for him. Look for natural cheeses in organic stores that are made out of natural ingredients.
How To Introduce Cheese To Babies
When you decide to introduce cheese to your baby, there are a few good ways to go about it. Remember to start with only those cheeses that have a mild taste. Sharp-tasting cheeses might taste repulsive and make the baby dislike it immediately. Here are a few methods to start with:
Melt cheese
Melt cheese over a bit of bread or crackers to feed it to him as a snack.
2. Cut Cheese into Bits
Give him tiny bits of cheese that are small enough for him to pick up. Make sure the pieces are small to avoid the risk of choking.
3. Mix with Vegetables
Melt some cheese over diced vegetables and wait for it to dry. Let it be in small bits easy enough to pick up.
4. With Eggs
Add a little cheese to scrambled eggs while preparing it.
5. With Pastas
Cream cheese for a baby can be started with pasta. It spreads well and tastes great.
Precautions To Take While Feeding Cheese To Babies
Like with any other new food that you introduce your baby to, cheese also carries a risk of allergy. Check out these precautions before you start:
Observe carefully
An allergic reaction can start as early as 20 minutes or within the first few hours. Look for symptoms such as swollen lips, redness in the eyes and face, and rashes on the skin; these are indicators of an allergic reaction. If your baby is lactose intolerant, you might see him experiencing gastric issues, stomach cramps, and diarrhoea.
2. Consult the paediatrician
If your baby is known to have allergies to dairy products or has eczema or asthma, talk to the paediatrician about feeding cheese and only do it if they permit.
3. Try different cheeses
You baby might develop a taste for one cheese and dislike the others. Therefore, if he doesn’t like any of the cheeses that you’re giving him, all is not lost. Keep trying different varieties of cheese.
Delicious Cheese Recipes for Babies
The best thing about cheese is how easily it can be incorporated into different foods that you can easily prepare. Here are some delicious cheese recipes for babies:
Cheese Omelette
Eggs and cheese are a yummy combination. To increase its nutrient quotient, add minced vegetables that your baby can easily swallow and digest.
What you will need:
One Egg
One teaspoon of milk or water
One tablespoon of shredded cheese
One teaspoon butter or oil
How to make:
Whisk the milk and egg together in a bowl.
Set the pan to medium heat and melt the butter on it. Once it stops bubbling, pour the egg mixture in the pan.
Spread the mixture evenly over the pan.
Let it cook until the mixture holds together like an omelette.
Sprinkle the shredded cheese over the omelette and fold it in half.
Cook for another 30 seconds.
Cut it into bite-sized bits and serve.
2. Cheese Rice
If you have already introduced your baby to rice, it’s time to make it tastier.
What you will need:
Two tablespoons of baby rice
2 carrots
100 grams of cauliflower
1 tablespoon of grated cheddar cheese
How to make:
Get the vegetables ready. Wash, peel, and slice them.
Boil the vegetables together until they are tender.
Save the water after you strain the vegetables. You’ll need about 60 ml of it to blend the vegetables.
Pour the rice into it along with the cheese and cook.
Stir the mixture until the cheese melts.
Serve warm.
3. Cheesy Pasta
Pasta is delicious, throw in a bit of cheese, and your baby will love it.
What you will need:
1 cup of cooked pasta
Half a cup of chopped soft-cooked or pureed carrots
Grated cheese that your baby likes
How to make:
Mix the chopped carrots with pasta.
Sprinkle grated cheese on top.
Serve warm.
Cheese is an excellent addition to your baby’s food. Experiment with different types to figure out what he likes. Include the different kinds of cheese in his diet to expand his taste palette and gain the healthy nutrients that cheese has to offer. Remember to consult your doctor before introducing your baby to solid foods, especially cheese, and always check for allergies before including cheese in your baby's diet.
Resources & References: Babycentre, What to Expect
Also read: 1 Year Old Baby Food Ideas Read more
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Advice for New Parents on How to Take Care of a Newborn
Being a mother of a four months old baby, I can understand how important it is to take care of the baby. Throughout this journey, the most important thing I learnt about being a mother was how to make my baby feel comfortable, and this is a concern that every mother has. When I gave birth to my baby, we were so happy to have her. The day we brought her home, we realised how big of a responsibility she is for us. Like most new parents, we were confused most of the time about the baby crying even when we have already fed her. Slowly and gradually, we noticed many things and learnt how we should take care of her. It is common practice, that when a baby is brought home, old ladies start giving a lot of information about how to raise the baby. Based on my personal experience, I found that most of the time, their advice was just a myth. Believing your doctor is essential before you follow anyone else's opinion.
The next question that all new mothers have is how to comfort your baby. I will give an example from personal experience. When we brought our baby home, the first thing my mother asked me to do was apply kajal in her eyes. Without wasting a second, I called my doctor and asked if it's okay to apply kajal. My doctor said that applying kajal can be harmful to the baby's eyes, and there is no advantage of applying it. If luck is not in your favour, then it may damage the baby's eyes permanently. I googled this information and found the same answer. That day I decided to keep Google as a second opinion, and my doctor's advice will be the first. My mother-in-law was forcing me to put oil inside my baby's ear, and I found out that it is a myth as well, and it can cause an ear infection.
A baby's comfort is in his parents' hands. If you love your baby, don't do anything without getting all the information about its effects on the baby's health. Older people may tell you that they have taken care of many kids, and they know how to take care of kids, but you should always do what your doctor suggests. And that's how you can take care of your baby without creating any kind of discomfort for him. Remember, babies don't cry without reason at least until they can understand whatever you say. So keep that in mind while taking care of the baby. Hold your baby and make him feel special, let him know he is not alone. That's how you can grow a happy baby.
Now, when people visit my home and see my baby, they can't believe their eyes. They are surprised by how active and happy my four months old baby is. It is because my baby applies all her energy in learning and observing things, not in crying and being fussy. Taking care of a baby is not a small responsibility. Parents need to understand their babies. If anything causes discomfort to them and they start crying, you should definitely pay attention to it and try to find out why the baby is crying. Don't just ignore it, thinking that the baby will cry only for a few minutes.
Disclaimer: The views, opinions and positions (including content in any form) expressed within this post are those of the author alone. The accuracy, completeness and validity of any statements made within this article are not guaranteed. We accept no liability for any errors, omissions or representations. The responsibility for intellectual property rights of this content rests with the author and any liability with regards to infringement of intellectual property rights remains with him/her.
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Is Eating Mustard Safe in Pregnancy?
Mustard, with its unique tangy flavour, is a popular condiment and a flavouring agent in the world of tasty food. From sauces and seeds to oils and leafy greens, mustard is used in a variety of hot and cold meals for flavouring and health benefits. When cravings hit, and you reach for the bottle of mustard to layer your oh-so-needed sandwich, you might come across a very simple question, ‘Is it safe to consume mustard during pregnancy?’ While it is a popular choice for enhancing the taste of dishes in general, it is important to know whether or not eating mustard during pregnancy is safe. Why? Well, during pregnancy, concerns about food safety and potential effects on the baby’s development become paramount. Let’s delve into this question to help you make informed decisions about including mustard in your pregnancy diet.
Can You Eat Mustard When Pregnant?
Yes, you can eat mustard when you are pregnant. You can have foods that contain mustard sauce, seeds, mustard leaves, or even mustard oil during pregnancy. As with most things in pregnancy, moderation is crucial. You should make sure to consume mustard in moderation. If the consumption of mustard during pregnancy is very high, it might sometimes lead to a miscarriage. If you wish to consume mustard seeds, it is better to consult a doctor when you are pregnant.
What Are the Benefits of Eating Mustard in Pregnancy?
Mustard contains essential nutrients that can offer several health benefits. Besides being tasty, let’s see what health benefits mustard provides to a pregnant woman:
1. Powerhouse of Essential Nutrients
Rich in dietary fibre, it aids digestion and prevents constipation—a common issue during pregnancy. Mustard seeds are also rich in essential minerals like iron, calcium, and magnesium, which contribute to the mother’s and baby’s overall well-being.
2. Regulating Asthma
Mustard has a high content of selenium and magnesium, which provides you with anti-inflammatory benefits. Therefore, consuming mustard can help you prevent and regulate colds, chest congestion, and asthma when you are pregnant.
3. Preventing Cancer
Mustard is rich in phytonutrients that will help prevent the development of gastrointestinal cancer very effectively. Mustard seeds are great at preventing the growth of cancer cells and inhibit the development of every other cancer while pregnant.
4. Boosting Immunity
Mustard seeds have a high content of minerals, such as manganese, iron, and copper. This mineral content present in the mustard will help in increasing the immunity of the body and prevent hazardous infections and other ailments. Also, the sulphur content in the mustard seeds will provide you with antifungal and antibacterial benefits to help fight skin infections during pregnancy.
5. Weight Management
Mustard is rich in folates, thiamine, riboflavin, and many other vitamins that are good at promoting the metabolism of the body when pregnant. It also helps to regulate the weight of the body effectively.
6. Reducing Cholesterol
It has high amounts of niacin and vitamin B3 that help regulate the cholesterol levels in the body. This will protect you from conditions like atherosclerosis. Adding mustard to the food you eat will also regulate blood pressure and blood flow effectively.
7. Treating Constipation
Mustard comprises mucilage, a unique substance that is thick and slimy. This will help to relieve constipation. The fibre content in the mustard seeds reduces the trouble resulting from constipation.
8. Mitigates Arthritis and Muscle Pain
The selenium and magnesium content in mustard gives you heat-producing and anti-inflammatory benefits that reduce the symptoms of arthritis and muscle pain when pregnant.
Are There Any Side Effects of Consuming Mustard While Pregnant?
You need to ensure that you do not consume excess amounts of mustard when adding mustard seeds, leaves, or sauce to your food, as it might affect your pregnancy and health. Mustard contains a compound called allyl isothiocyanate, because of which it gets its pungent taste. If consumed excessively, this compound might cause irritation and discomfort, especially if you have a sensitive stomach. Pregnant women prone to frequent heartburn or acid reflux should consume mustard in smaller quantities; otherwise, it might exacerbate these symptoms.
Here are some side effects of consuming too much mustard during pregnancy.
Throat irritation
Heart-related health problems
Breathing difficulties
Fatigue
Skin blisters, swelling, or damage
Chronic diarrhoea
Miscarriage
In extreme cases, coma and death
Though eating mustard is considered to be safe, it is best to check with your gynaecologist before you consume it. Including mustard seeds in your food can increase the flavour. When consumed in moderation, it offers multiple health benefits. If you’re unsure about whether to include mustard in your diet, it’s best to talk to your doctor about it. They can offer personalised guidance based on your pregnancy progress.
Have a healthy pregnancy!
References/Resources:
1. Tela. F. G, Gebremariam. L. W, Beyene. S. A; Food taboos and related misperceptions during pregnancy in Mekelle city, Tigray, Northern Ethiopia; PLoS One; PubMed Central; https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7553351/; October 2020
2. What to eat before, during and after pregnancy; UNICEF South Asia; https://www.unicef.org/rosa/stories/what-eat-during-and-after-pregnancy
3. Benefits of Eating Vegetables for Expectant Mothers During Pregnancy; All About Women Obstetrics and Gynecology; https://www.allaboutwomenmd.com/knowledge-center/vegetables-during-pregnancy.html
4. Aggarwal. D, Dr; Pregnancy Diet: What to Eat & What to Avoid; CK Birla Hospital; https://www.ckbhospital.com/blogs/pregnancy-diet-what-to-eat-what-to-avoid/; September 2021
5. Eib. S, Schneider. D. J, Hensel. O, Seuß-Baum. I; Relationship between mustard pungency and allyl-isothiocyanate content: A comparison of sensory and chemical evaluations; Journal of Food Science; IFT; https://ift.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/1750-3841.15383; August 2020
6. Raikwar. R. S; Nutritional value/100 g of mustard seed; ResearchGate; https://www.researchgate.net/figure/Nutritional-value-100-g-of-mustard-seed_tbl1_333207502; May 2019
Also Read:
Panchamrut during Pregnancy
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This Chennai Woman Was Ready To Deliver Her Baby. What Happened Next Is Beyond Distressing
She had been longing to experience the joy of having a child in her life. For seven years of her married life, she and her husband had been trying for a baby and looking forward to the moment they would become parents. Nothing quite compares to the joy of holding your child in your arms, does it? This was the joy that this couple from Chennai too wanted to experience. And it was finally happening. She was pregnant, and had been undergoing regular care and examination at a government hospital. Her due date was finally here, and she was preparing to embark on the beautiful new journey of motherhood. Little did she know what life had in store for her.
M Aseena Begum had been going to Chennai’s Government Kasturba Gandhi Hospital for regular checkups for the last eight months. It was in this hospital that her pregnancy had been confirmed after she had missed her period for two months. A urine test had confirmed the news. All her routine tests had taken place here. Her family was delighted with the news and did their best to pamper her, and keep her healthy. After all, a baby brings so much joy for the entire household, and we want to do all we can for the mother-to-be.
“We did not allow her to do any work around the house. We made sure she went for regular checkups with either her husband or our mother.”
Aseena had been prescribed Folic acid tablets to be taken every day so her baby could grow up healthy. She was also taking every precaution required to ensure her baby’s growth. A couple of weeks ago, she had had an ultrasound. Her baby was pronounced healthy but she was told that there was also a cyst developing in her uterus.
“They told me that they would deliver the baby through C-section and then remove the uterus as the cyst was large.”
This definitely added to the nervousness of the couple. Aseena’s husband worked as a vegetable vendor and she herself had been staying with her mom, who had raised three daughters on a meagre salary. The couple started being even more careful those last days of her pregnancy. They celebrated little things, sharing happy moments, including her baby shower or Seemantham.
One day, while in Varanasi to visit her husband’s relatives, Aseena experienced a searing pain in her abdomen. Was it the onset of labour? Her husband rushed her to a private clinic for examination. And it was here that the couple found out a truth that not only broke their hearts, but perhaps also permanently broke their trust in the medical system:
There was only a cyst in Aseena’s abdomen. There was no baby.
The parents-to-be were shocked beyond words. They felt sure the doctor was cheating them, and started scolding him. How could this be true, considering all her medical scans over the months, and the Chennai doctors’ reassurance that the baby was fine? Had she lost her baby, or what?
They rushed to the Chennai hospital again. This time, quite blankly, they were told that she was not pregnant. And not just that, there was no record whatsoever of any scans done previously. It had all been one big scam, a fraud, a merciless playing with her money as well as her emotions.
“One of the doctors even accused me if I was trying to cheat them. When I said I would bring my mother in to meet her, the doctor said, ‘Who is the patient, you or your mother?’”
Did Aseena just “believe” she was pregnant?
Since then, the heartbroken family has been trying to get an explanation from the doctors. The latest clarification that the doctors have issued is that Aseena suffered from psuedocyesis. This is a condition where the woman strongly believes she’s pregnant, but she’s actually not. It is merely a psychological problem where even the body starts behaving as if there is a baby in the womb. But this is a very rare condition.
Moreover, if this was the case, what about all the tests she had undergone? Urine tests and sonography are both extremely sensitive and it is almost impossible to miss or be wrong about a pregnancy! As per required standards, the hospital should have also filled a form at the time of the sonography. Under the Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (PCPNDT) Act, this is mandatory. But it is doubtful that the team did either this or conduct a vaginal examination which is also essential. It seems like a clear case of exploiting someone not educated or financially well-off enough to fight back and see the murky truth.
The National Human Rights Commission is examining the case
In a ray of hope for the family, the National Human Rights Commission has issued a notice on alleged medical negligence based on media reports. It seems that Aseena was not only misdiagnosed for the pregnancy but also administered wrong medicines for a period of more than eight months. Plus, the cyst in her ovary was not diagnosed or treated. The hospital also did nothing to help the couple deal with the mental shock of finding out that the last eight months had been a sham, and that they were not going to become parents after all.
The reality about the hospital and its medical team will become clearer in the days to come. In the meanwhile, it is heartening that Aseena and her family are getting support from people around them. We hope that the tumour in her ovary is treated soon, and she is blessed with the baby she has so badly wanted to have. It has been a terrible emotional and physical struggle for her, and we fervently hope that justice is brought to her soon. Read more
Rashmi has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 5 months
18 hours ago
Q. I got faint line all my pregnancy test and I missed my periods for 10 days but USG and TVs test confirm there is no pregnancy is there any chance that it is very early stage that's why it is not visible???? or TVs test is the last thing that can tell that really there is no pregnancy
Read moreRashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 7 m old girl
17 hours ago
A. I think it would be advisable for you to get an ultrasound done with your doctor that’s going to give you a clarity because if there is a pregnancy it would be visible at least at least that sack is visible if it’s a regular pregnancy so it would be advisable to have a test with your doctor
Dr. Minal Acharya has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
14 hours ago
Q. mere twins baby girl and boyhai one month 8 days old kya mai ghutti de sakte hun ya gripe water de sakte hun aur kab se start kar sakte hun
Dr. Minal Acharya
Nutritionist
13 hours ago
A. dear Mum, you should not give any sort of gripe water or ghutti to your baby. these are unhealthy and dangerous and can cause infection to your baby. so, these should be completely avoided.
Dr Vandan H Kumar has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
13 hours ago
Q. I am currently 32 week pregnant.I recently had growth scan.mu baby is in cephalic presentation. Does this change as I approach my due date. Also my EDD is July 25 and EDC is July 2. what is my expected due date. Also what is EDC?
Dr Vandan H Kumar
Paediatrician
13 hours ago
A. edc is expected date of delivery only.
that is 40 weeks
You will get more information for your query with your family doctor. You may meet your dr in person for proper guidance .
It is important to remain in contact with your doctor.
Swati Kar Samanta has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 7 months
13 hours ago
Q. why I am getting dizziness in my pregnancy
I am going with 3rd month of my pregnancy it's a very strong dizziness I feel at times means every day .....no other symptoms of pregnancy .Please help with elaboration .All okay means isn't part of this journey.
Read moreSwati Kar Samanta
Mom of a 2 m old girl
2 hours ago
A. Do consult your doctor as soon as you can. It's important to find the real reason because without that, proper medication is not possible.
Dr Priyanka Kalra has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
13 hours ago
Q. I am currently 32 week pregnant and had growth scan recently.My baby is in cephalic presentation.does this change after 36 week or does this remain the same?
Dr Priyanka Kalra
Obstetrician and Gynaecologist
5 hours ago
A. usually fixed. better to show to specialist always as they get the correct diagnosis. try to avoid self and extra medication that will only complicate this and create more damage to the child
Rashmi has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
3 hours ago
Q. it's my 5 month n I still didn't went for check up yet not even once is it okay if I go now or?
Rashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 7 m old girl
3 hours ago
A. You should have started going from the very beginning itself once you get to know you’re pregnant but since you haven’t reached that now if you’re pregnancy has been healthy last five months please get it checked with your doctor also if you need to start with any supplements or diet the doctor would advise you after a ultrasound so please visit your gynaecologist
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